Improving the guest experience is always top of mind for restaurant operators, and today’s technology can help increase table turnover, alleviate some of the labour stresses, and simplify the ordering process. From tablets at the table to self-ordering kiosks, restaurant technology continues to evolve to raise restaurant revenues and help operators deliver on guest expectations.

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Tablets

More and more restaurants are making the decision to improve the guest experience using self-ordering options like tablets that can help better allocate smaller teams of staff and speed up the ordering and payment process. Recently, it was announced that Chili’s will be adding tablets to over 1,100 locations to improve the customer experience with simpler payment options. An increasing number of chain restaurants have been implementing tablets as a way to help entertain guests, adding revenues to cheque totals with pay-to-play activities and upselling menu items.

Kiosks

Many fast-food operators have added kiosks to their on-site locations for faster ordering and simpler service. 60 per cent of customers say they would prefer self-serve ordering options to receive their orders faster. Because this system is fully integrated, customers can order and pay directly through the machine, saving time and streamlining the process. Kiosks can also help cut down on lines, decreasing customer frustration and improving the overall customer experience.

There are several different types of kiosks available to restaurant operators to help achieve faster operations and higher guest satisfaction:

• Check-in: This eliminates the need for a host or hostess but allows guests to claim their reservation, minimizing the risk of guests waiting in line at a busy desk.
• Payment and ordering: Guests can place orders and pay for their meals easily and at their own pace, cutting down on wait times, flipping tables faster, and limiting potential human error.
• Feedback: These kiosks allow guests to submit a rave, review, or offer suggestions to the restaurant based on their experience. Taking away any awkwardness in providing negative feedback, this option lets guests be honest and allows operators the benefit of improving their service.

Along with these examples, kiosks can also make it easier for guests to make a reservation, order food for pickup, check in with their loyalty status, and more.

In some ways, the future is here for restaurant operators, with automation, robotics, and technology like tablets and kiosks. As guest expectations continue to rise, operators will need to decide which technology best suits their needs in providing optimal guest experiences.